News Releases

The former Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent to join the Archdiocese on February 1

Chicago, IL (February 1, 2018) – The Archdiocese of Chicago announced today the appointment of Phil Andrew as Director of Violence Prevention Initiatives, a new position for the Archdiocese. Prior to joining the Archdiocese, Andrew served in several offices and capacities for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In his new role, Andrew will lead the strategic planning and directing of the Archdiocese’s anti-violence initiatives through coalition-building efforts, increased charitable presence in distressed neighborhoods and development and revitalization of programs to help reduce the violence-causing cycle of despair, racism and poverty in Chicago.

“I am delighted to welcome Phil, someone with years of experience working to address violence, to lead the archdiocese's peace-building efforts,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. “He has known firsthand the impact of violence as a shooting survivor himself and will help build bridges as we collaborate with people of good will to strengthen a culture of peace across the Chicago area."

Andrew’s career with the FBI spans 21 years. He most recently served in the bureau’s Chicago Division as a special agent with a focus on gun violence, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and crisis management. His responsibilities included managing high-risk hostage negotiations, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Investigations, training of special agents and serving as an adjunct instructor and presenter.

Andrew also served in the FBI’s New York and Kansas City offices where he focused on general criminal activities, gang violence, crimes against children, counterterrorism, and crisis negotiation. In his time with the FBI, he also trained hundreds of law enforcement officers in de-escalation and crisis negotiation and was the recipient of numerous awards.

Before joining the FBI, Andrew served as assistant general counsel of the Chicago Housing Authority, one of the largest public housing entities in the country. Previously, Andrew was the executive director for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Inc.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law.